A clinical neuropsychologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Douglas Terry works to alleviate the problem of concussions in pro sports. He also directs research on this matter for the National Football League and is a consultant to three Nashville teams ā the NFLās Tennessee Titans, the NHLās Nashville Predators, and the Nashville Soccer Club.
āIām most proud that our research at the NFL and Vanderbilt is making a real difference in peopleās lives,ā he says. āThese studies go beyond statistics in pro sports ā theyāve driven rule changes and spurred innovations in equipment that reduce concussions and improved health care practices after players sustain a concussion.ā
āThe greatest obstacle Iāve faced has been balancing the intensity of my career with the courage to live authentically as an out gay man,ā he adds. āBoth health care and sports can be demanding, conservative spaces, and for a long time, I worried that being fully myself might close doors. What helped me overcome that fear was realizing that authenticity is not a weakness ā itās a source of strength.ā @vanderbilthealth
